Pregnancy

The idea of the babymoon is a somewhat new fad in today's pregnancy culture—and one that I recommend couples expecting twins embrace if they can.

Wikipedia describes the modern babymoon as "A vacation taken by a couple that is expecting a baby in order to allow the couple to enjoy a final trip together before the many sleepless nights that usually accompany a newborn baby."

For couples expecting twins, this definition could realistically be modified to "A final vacation taken by a couple that is expecting twins in order to allow the couple to enjoy time together before the months of sleepless nights that will accompany caring for newborn twins."

You may be thinking, "It can't be that bad, can it?"

In my experience, the first 90 days with twins are basically survival of the fittest. So if you can, go ahead and take that babymoon with your partner.

Lasting Memories

My husband, Andy, and I opted for a long weekend trip to Manhattan—my favorite city in the world. We stayed with dear friends, visited one of our favorite couples who was raising twins in the cramped city (believe me, I learned a thing or two from their organization!), walked the city, ate delicious meals, and took the time to shop for the twins' Pop Art-inspired nursery. We even brought our "firstborn," a furry little pug named Ruby, on the trip.

It really was a wonderful weekend and one that I needed psychologically to prepare for what was ahead. You see, I was just a few weeks away from going on bed rest. My doctors had indicated that things were moving in that direction, so for me that time in New York gave me the strength to deal with what I was facing—two months essentially confined to bed.

I look back on the trip so fondly now, even remembering how tired I was at the end of each day. It was such a special trip for my husband and me as we celebrated the babies' impending arrival and how far we had already come over the course of the pregnancy.

Planning Tips

If you can find the time to escape with your partner for even just a weekend, I say do it! Here are some tips to keep in mind as you plan your getaway:

Schedule your babymoon early in your pregnancy.I was smack in the middle of my second trimester when we went. The timing was ideal on two fronts: I still had a good amount of energy, and I was not so large that I was constantly uncomfortable. More important, it's unlikely you will have to cancel the trip due to unforeseen bed rest or complications that keep you local during the final weeks of your pregnancy.

Take weather into consideration. Arizona in August would be a very, very bad idea for a pregnant woman whose internal temperature is already soaring well above average. Consider climate when planning so that you are as comfortable as possible.

Check with your doctor prior to traveling. As a precautionary measure, let your doctor know that you are going to be traveling and ask if he or she has any advice or thoughts on your getaway.

Rest when you need to. If you feel tired while on your getaway, remember to take a step back and listen to your body. Don't overexert yourself.

Spend within your means.You don't have to go far or spend a lot of money to have a great babymoon. This vacation is all about you and your partner savoring your time together. It could be as simple as a night in a quiet B&B. Just remember that the point is to appreciate what you are building together.

Take lots of photos. Your bump will look amazing and you both will have fond memories of the trip, so be sure to record it for posterity. Plus, you will probably want to share the experience and the joy of it all with your twins someday!

Want more Carrie? Follow hermany musings, and check back often as the list will grow! You can also follow her on Twitter: @TwinSource.